Glossary

BloatSwelling of the abdomen by abnormal accumulation of gas from food fermentation in the rumen and often results in poor ruminating activity.

CellulolyticCapacity to hydrolyze cellulose.

CelluloseThe main carbohydrate contained in cell wall of plants. Cellulose is digested by ruminants thanks to enzyme produced by some cellulolytic bacteria.

Chronic inflammationResponse of the immune system to transformations of the environment. Chronic inflammation can’t be cured spontaneously and can to worsen.

DigestibilityCapacity to be digested (difference between intake and fecal output), in %

Fermentable carbohydrateSugars easily fermented by the digestive system. They are composed of short chains of sugar molecules easily broke down by bacteria. They can contribute to gastrointestinal problems.

FibrolyticCapacity to hydrolyze fibers.

HemicellulolyticCapacity to hydrolyze hemicellulose.

HemicelluloseThe carbohydrate contained in the cell wall of plants. It is a polysaccharide less complex than cellulose and easily hydrolysable to monosaccharides thanks to hemicellulolytic enzyme.

HistamineVasomotor amine released by bacteria activity during a decrease in ruminal pH. Histamine has an effect on blood vessels causing an inflammation that can weaken the laminar structure in the hoof wall.

LigninComplex organic polymers in the cell wall of plants. Less easy to hydrolyse, lignin is digested by fungi thanks to their rhizoids.

LipopolysaccharideEssential component of the cell wall of negative gram bacteria. This molecule is released in the bloodstream can induce inflammatory responses.

Metabolizable proteinIt is the total amount of amino acid and proteins absorbed in the small intestine, which result from rumen-undegradable proteins and microbial proteins. Metabolizable protein will be used by the animal in several metabolic processes, such as milk production, immune system function, reproduction and more.

MicrobiotaA microbiota is the whole of the ecosystem (bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses) living in a specific environment. Intestinal microbiota was previously called “intestinal flora.”